Best Practices for Parking Heavy Equipment

[MikePhua]

Why Parking Technique Matters
Parking a machine may seem like a minor detail in the daily operation of heavy equipment, but it plays a critical role in safety, longevity, and operational readiness. Whether it's a dozer, excavator, loader, or grader, improper parking can lead to hydraulic drift, unintended movement, theft risk, or even structural damage. In high-traffic job sites or remote locations, how and where a machine is parked can affect everything from crew safety to equipment uptime.
In 2024, over 1.2 million pieces of heavy equipment were registered for active use in North America alone. With such volume, standardized parking practices are essential—not just for compliance, but for practical field efficiency.
Basic Parking Procedure for Most Machines
While each machine type has its own quirks, the general parking protocol includes:

• Lower all attachments to the ground (bucket, blade, forks)
  
• Center the steering and neutralize travel controls
  
• Engage the parking brake or hydraulic lockout
  
• Shut down the engine after idling for 30–60 seconds
  
• Remove the key and secure the cab
  

For tracked machines, it's advisable to park on level ground with the tracks straight. For wheeled units, chocking the tires is recommended if parked on a slope. Hydraulic implements should be fully lowered to relieve pressure and prevent drift.
A contractor in Alberta once left a loader parked with the bucket raised overnight. A slow hydraulic leak caused the bucket to drop unexpectedly, damaging a nearby fence and narrowly missing a fuel tank. Since then, their crew adopted a strict “bucket down, brake on” policy.
Blade Position and Ground Contact
For dozers and graders, blade position during parking is often debated. Some operators prefer to leave the blade slightly raised to avoid moisture wicking into the cutting edge. Others insist on full ground contact to relieve hydraulic pressure and prevent accidental movement.
Recommended approach:

• Lower blade fully to the ground
  
• Slightly tilt forward to distribute weight
  
• Avoid resting on sharp edges or rocky surfaces
  

In muddy or freezing conditions, placing a wood plank or rubber mat under the blade can prevent adhesion or ice buildup. This technique is common in northern logging camps, where frozen blades can delay morning starts.
Parking on Inclines and Terrain Considerations
When parking on slopes, additional precautions are necessary:

• Face the machine uphill if possible
  
• Use wheel chocks or track blocks
  
• Engage transmission lock or hydraulic lockout
  
• Avoid parking near embankments or water runoff paths
  

For articulated machines like graders or loaders, ensure the articulation joint is centered and locked. Leaving the joint angled can cause uneven pressure on tires or tracks, leading to premature wear.
A mining crew in Nevada once parked a grader on a slight incline without locking the articulation. Overnight, a hydraulic leak caused the machine to shift, damaging a nearby generator. The incident led to a company-wide review of parking protocols.
Security and Theft Prevention
Heavy equipment theft remains a concern, especially in remote or unsecured sites. Parking technique can help deter unauthorized use.
Suggestions include:

• Removing ignition keys and locking the cab
  
• Parking with attachments lowered and obstructing access
  
• Using hydraulic lockouts or electronic immobilizers
  
• Positioning machines in clusters to limit maneuverability
  

Some operators install GPS trackers or geofencing systems that alert managers if a machine moves outside a designated area. In 2023, over 11,000 pieces of equipment were reported stolen in the U.S., with loaders and skid steers topping the list.
Parking for Maintenance and Inspection
When parking for service or inspection, additional steps improve safety and access:

• Park on a hard, level surface with adequate lighting
  
• Lower all implements and relieve hydraulic pressure
  
• Use lockout-tagout procedures for electrical and hydraulic systems
  
• Place warning signs or cones around the machine
  

For undercarriage inspections, parking on elevated ramps or over inspection pits allows better visibility. Always use jack stands or cribbing when lifting any part of the machine.
Seasonal and Long-Term Storage
For machines parked during off-season or extended downtime:

• Drain fuel or add stabilizer
  
• Disconnect batteries or use trickle chargers
  
• Cover exhaust and intake ports to prevent rodent entry
  
• Grease all pivot points and exposed metal surfaces
  
• Store indoors or under tarp with ventilation
  

In one case, a farm in Iowa parked a dozer for winter without covering the exhaust. A squirrel nested inside, causing engine damage when the machine was started in spring. Since then, they use mesh covers and mothballs to deter wildlife.
Conclusion
Parking a machine is more than just shutting it down—it’s a deliberate act of preservation, safety, and foresight. From blade position to terrain awareness, every detail matters. Whether for a lunch break or winter storage, proper parking ensures that when the machine is needed again, it’s ready to work—not waiting for repairs or recovery. In the rhythm of heavy equipment operation, parking is the pause that protects the performance.